Honda Silverwing FJS600

When this was first announced, I thought must get one of those, but at £6000, it seemed a bit expensive, so I needed to wait for a second-hand one to become available.

Finally in February 2003, I sold my Majesty and bought an almost new Silverwing. At that time there was a very good site with information about owning a Silverwing (http://www.silverwing.co.uk), but it seems to have disappeared now.

I soon found that the underseat storage, although able to hold 2 helmets, could not hold my laptop in its case. So I added a Givi monkey plate and Maxi box. Most of the time I rode without the box, just adding it when staying away and when carrying my laptop.

I also found that the 'wing was much more stable on the motorway compared to the Majesty - infact the Majesty was almost unsafe to ride on the motorway.

I quickly discovered the top speed of 110mph, but normally travelled at about 75mph. Faster than this I found the noise and vibration too great. I added heated grips, and rode all year round. Only using the train, when the winds on the bridge seemed too high.

Regular servicing every 4000 miles becomes quite expensive, I could not find any workshop manuals to help with this. The bike though was totally reliable. The only problems I had were handlebars bent by someone trying to steal it (they could not break the steering lock), and a puncture in the rear tyre.

After 36,000 miles I decided that I enjoyed motorcycling, so perhaps I ought to get something designed to do the kind of miles I was doing, and didn't need to be serviced so often. I tried approaching a few dealers, but no one would look at it - a scooter with 36000 miles - no way! One did offer me £800, a little on the low side!

Eventually I sold it through e-bay. At the time I thought this was a bit risky, but basically it is a way of bringing together buyers and sellers. Most vehicles don't actually go to the end of the auction, but are sold when viewed.

Purchased: February 2003 100 miles
Sold: June 2006 36,000 miles